Indiana State University Newsroom

President's Scholars announced for 2015-16

Indiana State University has awarded its most prestigious scholarship to 20 incoming students following a lengthy screening process that attracted applicants from throughout the country.

The President's Scholarship provides full, in-state tuition and premium housing and has a total four-year value of more than $74,000.

"One of the most enjoyable events of the academic year occurs over two weekends in late January and early February, when President Scholar finalists come to campus to compete for the University's most prestigious award," said John Beacon, senior vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications. "Every candidate comes to the competition having already proven in high school to be a leader, a scholar, and community volunteer. Every candidate deserves to win, which makes the selection of only 20 from the nearly 180 who participate, all the more difficult and challenging. These are truly exceptional students in every way."

The President's Scholarship is just one component of Indiana State's $12.1 million per year financial aid program that awards more than $8.5 million in merit scholarships, Beacon said.

President's Scholars are chosen based on academic performance in high school, personal accomplishments and interviews during their campus visits.

Britney Arnold of Williamsport is the daughter of Chrysta and Kelly Arnold. At Seeger Memorial High School, she was captain of her golf team, a cheerleader, and a member of National Honor Society. Arnold plans to pursue a degree in nursing at Indiana State.

Abigail Belich of Mukwonago, Wis. is the daughter of Donald and Jennifer Belich. At Mukwonago High School, she was active in her student council and show choir, earning her a spot in the Music Honor Society. She also worked at Camp Venture for three summers. Belich plans to study elementary education while at Indiana State.

Emily Brady of Nashville, Ind. is the daughter of Brian and Kimberly Brady. At Brown County High School, she was captain of her volleyball team, played basketball, was a leader on the track & field team and was active in community service. Brady will study physical education at Indiana State.

Liam Brown of Oakland City is the son of Roger Brown. At Wood Memorial High School, he was the captain of his soccer team, a member of the National Honor Society, and was vice president of his Spanish club. Brown will be studying chemistry at Indiana State.

Gabrielle Comelleri of Terre Haute is the daughter of Michael and Deborah Comelleri. While at Terre Haute North Vigo High School, she participated in 4-H, served as chair of the student ambassador group, the Continental Corps, and held editorial roles on both the yearbook and newspaper staffs. Comelleri will study elementary education at Indiana State.

Allison Crick of Terre Haute is the daughter of Robb and Jennifer Crick. Coming to Indiana State from Terre Haute North Vigo High School, she has been involved with her high school yearbook as a photographer while also playing softball and holding a job at the Cricket Box furniture store. Crick plans to pursue a degree in accounting from Indiana State.

Max Cooper of Terre Haute is the son of Tim and Janet Cooper. While at Terre Haute South Vigo High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society and was involved with Link crew and the DECA program. He was a student athlete, participating in golf and soccer. He plans to pursue a degree in business administration from Indiana State.

Andrew Gerard of Plymouth is the son of Gregory and Amy Gerard.

At Plymouth High School, he was was the captain of his soccer team, ran track, and was involved with his church. Gerard will enroll in the pre-medicine program at Indiana State.

Makayla Herring of West Terre Haute is the daughter of Trent and Deniese Herring. At West Vigo High School, she was co-captain of the tennis team, served as president of National Honor Society and participated in show choir and glee club among other activities. Herring plans to pursue a degree in insurance and risk management at Indiana State.

Colton Hooper of Wheaton, Ill. is the son of Darrell and Michelle Hooper. At Wheaton North High School, Colton served on the student council, was statistical secretary of Key Club and a member of the National Honor Society. Hooper will study professional aviation flight technology at Indiana State.

James Kramer of Pendleton is the son of Kent and Jamei Kramer. At Pendleton Heights High School, he was a member of his soccer team, National Honor Society, and French club. At Indiana State, Kramer plans to pursue a degree in insurance and risk management.

Hannah Mann of Cloverdale is the daughter of Christopher and Jennifer Mann. While at Cloverdale High School, she participated in 4-H, threw discus and shotput for the track and field team, and was a Hoosier Girls State delegate. Mann will be studying science education at Indiana State.

Christopher Moghadam of Quincy, Ind. is the son of Hope Moghadam. Attending Cloverdale High School, he was a pole vaulter for the track and field team and was a member of the National Art Honor Society, while also working at Lou's Diner. At Indiana State, Moghadam plans to study business administration.

Kate Stadel of Tolono, Ill. is the daughter of David and Suzanne Welch. At Unity High School, she was president of her choir, was co-captain of the scholastic bowl team and participated in the drama club. Stadel will be pursuing a degree in music business at Indiana State.

Olivia Strother of Paoli is the daughter of William and Catherine Strother. At Paoli High School, she was captain of her volleyball team and served as her class secretary while also holding a job at McDonalds. Strother will pursue a degree in speech-language pathology at Indiana State.

Kate Sullivan of Overland Park, Kan. is the daughter of John and Laura Sullivan. At Blue Valley Northwest High School, she was executive producer of the broadcast club, played varsity soccer, and was head judge of youth court. Sullivan plans to study business administration at Indiana State.

Courtney Swanson of Indianapolis is the daughter of Dewey and Dawn Swanson. Attending Lawrence Central High School, she was vice president of Best Buddies, coached a Special Olympics soccer team, and served as the historian for National Honor Society. Swanson will be studying speech-language pathology at Indiana State.

Jordan Thorpe of Lafayette is the daughter of John and Jennifer Thorpe. At Lafayette Jefferson High School, Jordan was a member of National Honor Society, an instructor and senior company dancer at Golden Steps Studio and was captain of her dance team. Thorpe will study biology at Indiana State with a specialization in medical laboratory science.

Benjamin Vertelney of Calabasas, Calif. is the son of Reed and Eva Vertelney. At Calabasas High School, he was captain of the cross country team, a member of the surf team and was active in Boy Scouts. Vertelney will be studying professional aviation flight technology at Indiana State.

Alyssa Ybarra of Indianapolis is the daughter of Gregory and Tiara Ybarra. While attending Avon High School, she was a member of National Honor Society, show choir and the drama club and was also active in her church and community. Ybarra will pursue a degree in social work at Indiana State.